Capitol only giving P500,000 to Sinulog aj de la Torre - Orong

CEBU, Philippines -  The Province of Cebu is still giving financial assistance to the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated despite its reported financial woes.

Acting Cebu Governor Agnes Magpale said the Capitol will be extending P500,000 cash assistance to help SFI on their expenses for the Sinulog Grand Parade. The amount is relatively lower compared to the P3 million assistance given by suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia last year and the P2 million in 2011.

Magpale said she has informed SFI executive director Ricky Ballesteros in advance that the province could not anymore extend the usual amount of assistance this year because of the financial problem that the provincial government is allegedly facing today.

Magpale earlier said that the Province of Cebu is now 'bankrupt' with only P90M in account and more than P300M in obligation. But despite the problem, Magpale assured Ballesteros that the province would help in any way it could especially in an event that speaks highly of the culture and belief of the Cebuanos.

Magpale said yesterday that they could only provide P500,000 to SFI but may still increase in cash or goods.

Ballesteros in a phone interview with The Freeman said that they are very grateful for the P500,000 from the province since it can already help them in the expenses.

He said that it can already pay for the rental of the buses which are provided to contingents coming from southern and northern parts of Cebu, including those contingents who will be arriving from nearby provinces like Masbate and Leyte.

Ballesteros said that it cost them P1M for the rental of buses last year and would likely cost the same, depending on the number of contingents they would need to provide buses.

Magpale said they will seek the assistance of the municipalities who were given tourist buses by the province if they can lend these buses to SFI. Ballesteros said it would be of great help since they could use the P500,000 in other expenses.

"We are very happy with the assistance provided by the province," said Ballesteros who explained that they were not expecting any amount in the first place and appreciates that they were provided the said amount.

He said that even with a higher financial assistance last year, it would not affect the budget since they can raise the amount they need through other sponsorships. Also, he said that private groups and individuals have extended help to SFI which will continue to accept donations until the day of the Grand Parade.— /FPL (FREEMAN)